Italy Gladiator baseball players keep skills sharp down in Waco

Image: Italy’s select baseball team and coaches keep working — Italy’s select baseball team, along with coaches Mark and Vincent Jacinto, prepare to take on a Waco select team during tournament play at the Dub-L R Fields, Riverbend Park in Waco this past weekend.

Italy’s select baseball team and coaches keep working — Italy’s select baseball team, along with coaches Mark and Vincent Jacinto, prepare to take on a Waco select team during tournament play at the Dub-L R Fields, Riverbend Park in Waco this past weekend. (Barry Byers)

A bag of sunflower seeds and a goal — Organized and coached by former Gladiator athletes and brothers Mark and Vincent Jacinto, Italy’s select baseball team continues to round bases at Waco’s Doubl-R Fields, Riverbend Park in an effort to gain experience while competing against high caliber baseball teams.

River Bend Park is a fabulous facility with plush green fields and scenic backdrops. The ballfield also boasts eight lighted fields, covered seating with ceiling fans, two concession stands, a Pro Shop, four TV’s at each concession area, a video arcade, and even beach umbrellas for fans.

The River Bend Park ballfield hosts baseball, fastpitch, and softball tournaments, as well as “Skills and Drills” training camps throughout the year.

In addition to competing during the summer, Team Italy played in five tournament games this past weekend and has scheduled to participate in more tournaments. Despite several teammates currently focused on Gladiator football, Italy still managed to field a 9-man roster with some late night additions.

“It was 12:30 a.m. Saturday morning before I knew I had a complete roster in place for the tournament,” mentioned Coach Mark Jacinto with a smile.

Team Italy’s roster in Waco this past weekend:

Coaches:
Mark Jacinto
Vincent Jacinto

1 – Ross Stiles
4 – Ryan Ashcraft
5 – Reid Jacinto
6 – Casey Williams (Waxahachie)
7 – Trevor Patterson
10 – Michael “Taz” Martinez
11 – Justin Wood
14 – Karsen Minniear (Corsicana)
24 – Caden Jacinto

Dub-L R Fields, Riverbend Park
1001 Lakeshore Dr.
Waco, Texas 76708
(254) 750-5980

Keep up the hard work!